Expert: Jamie Yocono - 5/13/2008

Question
Do you know of a place where I could find plans for Asian style furniture? I've looked pretty much everywhere. Any help you could give me, I would be grateful for.

Answer
Jerry,

I know exactly what you mean, I have a hard time finding decent Asian style furniture plans, too. I'm partial to that style, too.

I have had the best luck with the site, Amateur Woodworker.com. The address is http://www.am-wood.com They actually have plans for things like a Zen rock garden, a Chinese abacus lamp, and a Japanese lamp, to name a few things.  When you get to their site, click on the "archive" tab and you will see all the plans they have to offer. They have a few plans that you can definitely adapt, to make them a bit more Asian looking. Take a look at their Curved Bedside Cabinets plan, for example.

Another place I find plans is http://www.woodworkingplanfinder.com

Oh, here's another one...www.woodworkersworkshop.com.

My best advice is to find a plan that you like, and tweak it. Often, just changing something simple, like drawer faces, or hardware, or trim, will drastically change the look of a piece. So look for a plan that you basically like - and MAKE it Asian. Look at Asian pieces and see what makes them fit into that style.

Did I mention this one - http://absolutelyfreeplans.com?

Good luck, those sites should give you a decent starting place.  Also, if you have a favorite woodworking magazine, you might go to it's website and do an index search. Just a thought....

Write back if you need more suggestions,

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
My woodworking blog: www.wooditis.blogspot.com